The Wait for a Official Price Might Be Over
The gaming community has been buzzing with anticipation for Microsoft's Asus ROG Xbox Ally, the powerful new Windows 11 handheld poised to take on the Steam Deck. While we know the official release date is set for October 16th, one crucial piece of information has been conspicuously absent: the price. That silence, however, is being broken not by Microsoft, but by retailers who seem eager to spill the beans.
The latest and perhaps most compelling leak comes from the UK, where high-street giant Argos appears to have jumped the gun. Leaked promotional materials suggest the standard Asus ROG Xbox Ally could be more wallet-friendly than many predicted.
Argos Leak Points to a Competitive £499.99 Price Tag
According to a Reddit user who claims to be an Argos employee, internal systems are showing a price of £499.99 for the base model of the ROG Xbox Ally. The employee shared images of the promotional materials, indicating that pre-orders could be going live very soon.
This price point, while not shockingly low, lands on the more affordable end of the spectrum for what the device offers. If accurate, it positions the Xbox Ally aggressively against competitors, undercutting many premium Windows handhelds on the market.
Unfortunately, the leaked flyer did not include the more powerful variant, the ROG Xbox Ally X. However, the Redditor speculated that this higher-end model could carry a price tag of around £799.
How Does This Compare to Other Leaks and Regions?
This new information from the UK adds another layer to the pricing puzzle. Earlier this summer, Spanish publication 3DJuegos spotted prices at an Asus partner store listing the standard model at €599 and the Ally X at €899. Direct currency conversions are often misleading due to factors like taxes and import tariffs, but those figures would roughly translate to £523 and £785, making the Argos leak slightly cheaper for UK customers.
Across the pond, the situation is similarly murky. YouTuber Destin Legarie previously shared photos from a Best Buy system showing prices of $549.99 for the Ryzen Z2 model and $899.99 for the Ryzen Z2 Extreme model. It's important to note that in Europe, prices always include Value-Added Tax (VAT), while in the U.S., sales tax is added at the checkout. This makes direct comparisons tricky, but the consensus from all leaks is clear: the costs are coming in at the lower end of initial predictions.
For a broader look at the global pricing leaks, Windows Central has compiled a helpful summary.
A Reason for Healthy Skepticism
Before you mark your calendar and set a budget, it's wise to exercise some caution. As the source of the Argos photos admits, the retailer has a history of placeholder prices and errors. In one of the leaked images, a picture of the more advanced ROG Xbox Ally X is shown with the £499.99 price tag below it, which is almost certainly a mistake.
This inconsistency reminds us that until Microsoft or Asus makes an official announcement, all prices should be considered speculative.
When Can We Expect Official Confirmation?
The days of speculation are likely numbered. With the October 16th release date fast approaching, Microsoft cannot waffle on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for much longer. All eyes are now turning to the Tokyo Game Show later this month.
The company has confirmed it will have demos for the handhelds at the convention, and many industry insiders believe a formal announcement, including confirmed pricing, will occur during a press event scheduled for September 25th. This would give the market ample time to absorb the news before the devices hit shelves in October.
If the Argos leak holds true, Microsoft and Asus could be on the verge of launching a highly competitive product that shakes up the gaming handheld scene in a big way. For eager gamers, a sub-£500/$550 price point might be the final nudge they need to pre-order.
Post a Comment